Our Espresso Martini Recipe Will Never Go Out Of Style (2024)

The Aperol spritz and the negroni are undoubtedly stealing the cocktail spotlight right now, but to me, the espresso martini will never go out of style. Popular with coffee lovers and tired pre-gamers alike, this classic cocktail was born in the 1980s but saw a resurgence in popularity in the last few years. It’s no surprise why this martini is having a moment: because it's a cocktail and an espresso, it's a great way to get a little buzzed while also getting a bit perked up. I order them so often, I decided it was time to perfect the classic espresso martini right at home. After testing (and testing), I discovered the perfect ratio of coffee to booze to simple syrup—make my classic recipe if happy hour at home is calling your name.

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Yields:
1
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
10 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz.

    vodka

  • 1 oz.

    coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa or Mr. Black

  • 1 oz.

    or 1 shotespresso or cold brew concentrate

  • 1/2 oz.

    simple syrup

  • Espresso powder or cocoa powder and coffee beans, for serving

Directions

    1. Step1In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Cover and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty and foam forms, about 15 seconds.
    2. Step2Double strain into a coupe glass. Cover half of top of glass with a paper towel. Dust the exposed half with espresso or cocoa powder. Garnish plain side with coffee beans.

How To Make An Espresso Martini

Ingredients

Vodka: I add 1 ½ oz. of vodka for the perfect ratio of booze to coffee. Vodka is the signature alcohol for a classic espresso martini—use another, and it just won’t be the same. While you don't have to reach for top shelf, I suggest using a brand you enjoy drinking.
Coffee liqueur: I prefer to use Kahlúa in this cocktail (and in many coffee cocktails). It’s easy to find, and adds the perfect rich coffee and vanilla flavor to this martini. That being said, you can use any coffee liqueur you please.
Espresso: While I recommend a freshly pulled shot of espresso for the best-ever espresso martini, you can also use cold brew coffee concentrate if you don’t have an espresso machine (or don’t want to visit your local coffee shop). This is the central flavor of the drink after all, so I strongly suggest investing in coffee that you love the flavor of.
Simple syrup: Simple syrup balances out the strong coffee flavors, and gives this cocktail a sweeter touch. If you prefer a more bitter flavor, you can decrease the amount of simple syrup. While you can buy it, why would you when it’s so easy to make homemade simple syrup?
Espresso powder: I use espresso powder for the garnish to amplify the coffee vibes, but you can also use cocoa powder if you prefer, or skip it entirely.
Coffee beans: If you’ve ordered an espresso martini out, you know that coffee beans are a signature garnish for this martini. Use any coffee beans you have on hand. If you’re looking for coffee inspo, checkout Delish’s favorite coffee beans.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Your first step in creating the iconic espresso martini is to add your vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker. When it comes to the espresso, make sure you give yourself enough time to let it chill before adding it to your shaker. You can place it in the fridge or the freezer if you need a quick chill—this will prevent your hot espresso from immediately melting the ice in your shaker.

Our Espresso Martini Recipe Will Never Go Out Of Style (4)

After combining your ingredients in your shaker, cover and give it a vigorous shake. I recommend shaking for at least 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is very frosty and foam forms. Hint hint: This is key for a perfectly frothy espresso martini.

Once your martini is perfectly combined and foamy, strain it into a coupe glass of your choice. If you have a small kitchen strainer, I’d recommend double-straining your martini. New to this? All you need to do is use your cocktail strainer, and pour it over the strainer into your glass. I like to do this to create an ultra-smooth drink, but it’s not a requirement for a great espresso martini.

Our Espresso Martini Recipe Will Never Go Out Of Style (6)

Now, here comes my favorite part of serving any cocktail: creating the garnish. First, cover half of the top of the glass with a paper towel or a piece of paper. Then, dust the exposed half with espresso or cocoa powder, and garnish with coffee beans (as many as your heart desires, or 3 for good luck). To dust with the powder, add to a sieve or strainer, and gently shake over your drink.

Our Espresso Martini Recipe Will Never Go Out Of Style (8)

Note: The full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe above.

Recipe Tips

How to make a frothy espresso martini: My favorite tip for a frothy espresso martini? Use a fresh shot of espresso, and shake it along with your other ingredients in a shaker vigorously for long enough to chill it all and create a foam. Once shaken, you’re going to want to double-strain it into your glass, and voila! A chilled, frothy espresso martini is at your fingertips.
What kind of coffee to use: If you can't get a fresh shot of espresso, no need to fear! Though a freshly pulled shot really pulls this drink together, I’ve found that you can get similar results with 1 oz. cold brew coffee concentrate. Looking to make your own cold brew? Check out Delish’s favorite coffee beans for cold brew. No espresso machine but craving that signature taste? Visit your local coffee shop and pick up a couple of shots.
The best alcohol for an espresso martini: Along with your coffee component and simple syrup, you need a coffee liqueur and vodka to complete your martini. I recommend Kahlúa—a recurring character in many of Delish’s coffee cocktails—but you can use any coffee liqueur you prefer, like Mr. Black. Choose your favorite vodka, or consult Delish’s tried-and-tested list of our favorite vodka brands.
What do three coffee beans mean? In addition to the espresso powder (or cocoa powder) topping, I added the signature garnish to an espresso martini: coffee beans. You can add as many as you like, but three coffee beans represent health, wealth, and happiness, so if you’re looking for some well wishes, 3 will be your lucky number.
Variations: While this classic recipe deserves all the hype, you can experiment to make this espresso martini work for you. Don’t like sugar in your coffee? Go ahead and remove that simple syrup! More of a cream and sugar type of person? Add in 1/2 oz. Baileys to make it creamy.

Our Espresso Martini Recipe Will Never Go Out Of Style (10)

Made This?

Let us know how it went in the comments below!

    Our Espresso Martini Recipe Will Never Go Out Of Style (2024)

    FAQs

    Why do bartenders not like making espresso martinis? ›

    For as beloved a drink as the glorious Espresso Martini is, bartenders are not fans, according to Grub Street. First, there's the trendy factor. Bartenders wonder, do people really like them, or do they just want to order the “It” drink of the moment? Familiarity breeds contempt.

    What does your drink say about your espresso martini? ›

    Espresso Martini: The oh-so-popular espresso martini is the anxious sibling of the avoidant classic martini. In the year 2024, the espresso martini drinker a) wants the alcohol to quell their social anxiety, b) caffeine to stay sharp conversationally, and c) is hyper-conscious about staying on-trend.

    Why are espresso martinis trendy? ›

    It's a more natural way to get a boost while drinking alcohol and aligns with their love of coffee culture.” With its elegant, Instagram-ready presentation, the espresso martini has indeed become a go-to upper— and a platform for showcasing a shift in coffee and cocktail culture.

    Why is everyone obsessed with espresso martinis? ›

    The espresso martini is popular because it's simply a delicious drink: Beautiful to look at (as most martinis are), sweet and smooth, and a sinful mix of caffeine and alcohol. It's suitable for almost any occasion be it brunch, aperitif, after dinner, or just because.

    What drink do bartenders hate making the most? ›

    From saccharine standbys to Dirty Martinis and beyond, here are seven of the worst cocktails to make, according to bartenders.
    • Sex on the Beach. ...
    • Espresso Martinis. ...
    • Dirty Martinis. ...
    • Long Island Iced Teas. ...
    • Skinny Margaritas. ...
    • Aperol Spritzes. ...
    • The “I'm Not Sure What I Want” Cocktail.
    Feb 27, 2024

    What is the personality of an espresso martini drinker? ›

    Espresso Martini

    Coffee, alcohol and sugar - the ultimate combination made for those who live to “work hard, play harder”. If that's you, you're a type A personality who is enviably outgoing, extremely ambitious and rigidly organised. You give 100% to everything you do, both professionally and socially.

    Do Italians make espresso martinis? ›

    This Italian spin on the classic Espresso Martini calls for Amaro Averna in place of vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso.

    Is an espresso martini an upper or downer? ›

    Espresso martinis were supposedly created by a London bartender for a model who asked for a drink that would “wake her up, then mess her up” — only she didn't use the word “mess.” Similar to vodka Red Bulls, espresso martinis mix the “upper” of caffeine and the “downer” of alcohol.

    What do the three beans in an espresso martini mean? ›

    While there are many variations on the espresso martini cocktail, you could say there's one standard garnish: three espresso beans floating on top. Tradition holds that these three beans represent health, wealth and happiness.

    Are espresso martinis bad for you? ›

    The bottom line is: Enjoy your caffeinated cocktails—but practice moderation. "An occasional, indulgent espresso martini [or other combo beverage] is not likely to cause any harm, we just want to avoid creating a habit of mixing alcohol and caffeine," warns Dr. Bonney.

    Is espresso martini better with vodka or tequila? ›

    Salas remarks, "When people think of one of the trendiest drinks right now, an espresso martini, they often default to ordering with vodka -- but a reposado tequila is perfect for this style of cocktail."

    What's the hardest drink for a bartender to make? ›

    Probably the most difficult cocktail recipe to make and every bartender hates it - the RAMOS GIN FIZZ 🍸 60ml / 2oz Gin 15ml / 0.5oz Lemon Juice 15ml / 0.5oz Lime Juice 30ml / 1oz Heavy Cream 1 Dash Orange Blossom Water One Fresh Egg White Soda Water To Top - Shake all ingredients except soda water hard with one large ...

    How do you make an espresso martini like a bartender? ›

    Since it is a liquid sweetener, it is easier to include in cold beverages than traditional sugar.
    1. 40ml Vodka. ...
    2. 20ml Kahlua. ...
    3. 1 Shot Espresso. ...
    4. 10ml Sugar Syrup. ...
    5. Pour all the ingredients into a shaker and shake. ...
    6. Fine strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. ...
    7. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

    Why do espresso martinis make me nauseous? ›

    One is that coffee is a diuretic, which can cause dehydration and make you feel nauseous. Another reason is that coffee is acidic, which can upset your digestive system and make you feel sick. Finally, if you drink too much caffeine, it can make you feel nauseated and cause other health problems.

    Can most bars make espresso martinis? ›

    Most cocktail bartenders have the same pet hate: making Espresso Martinis. While they may seem like a simple enough drink, they're actually a bit of a punish because of the need for a fresh shot of espresso using an actual espresso machine. They're running a bar, they don't have time for all that $h!t.

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